Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Peter Leahy, has today congratulated the Special Air Service (SAS) Regiment on its 50th Anniversary. The SAS has served the Australian Defence Forces (ADF) and nation with distinction over its proud history and he wished the Regiment’s officers and soldiers a long and equally impressive future.

“Over the past 50 years the SAS has established itself as a unit with few equals amongst the international Special Forces community. This did not just happen, it’s the result of the dedication of generations of outstanding young soldiers singularly committed to excellence,” said Lieutenant General Peter Leahy.

The Australian Special Air Service Regiment, with its famous motto ‘Who Dares Wins’ was formed on 4 September 1964, although its predecessor, the 1st Special Air Service Company, which was part of the Royal Australian Infantry, had been in existence since 1957.

The Regiments long history includes operations in Borneo, Vietnam, Rwanda, Somalia, Cambodia, East Timor, Iraq, Afghanistan, and various regional contingencies where it has conducted itself with the utmost professionalism and has earned an enviable reputation as a world class Special Forces organisation.

This formidable reputation was confirmed today with the SAS invested with the Unit Citation for Gallantry for acts of extraordinary gallantry in action in Afghanistan by the Governor-General, His Excellency Major General Michael Jeffery, AC, CVO, MC, himself a former SAS commander.

Throughout the week anniversary activities have included a memorial service, static demonstrations, a book launch, the Ladies Auxiliary fashion parade, and various low-key reunions attended by SAS veterans from across Australia.

Special Operations Commander, Major General Mike Hindmarsh said the 50th Anniversary was clearly a time to celebrate and to the thousands of officers and troopers who have stood in the ranks of the SAS over the past 50 years ‘congratulations and well done’.